Audrey Hepburn’s 1971 Swiss Home Shows Why This Vibrant Hue Dominates the Chicest Living Rooms – Move Over, Quiet Luxury
An archival photograph of La Plaisible reveals how a pop of sunny color turns a simple room into a timeless design masterclass
It is not every day that a photograph from 1971 offers a design blueprint for the contemporary world, but Audrey Hepburn was never ordinary. A look inside her Swiss home (named La Plaisible) highlights her enduring status as a timeless style icon – and we expect it will look just as beautiful in another sixty years from now.
Despite originating in the early 1970s, the photograph perfectly demonstrates how to style one of 2026's most daring color trends for spring and summer. Most of the space features a crisp white palette, with one key exception: bright yellow living room sofas.
These vibrant pieces inject instant warmth and energy into the neutral living room, mirroring the cheerful sunlight outside without feeling overwhelming. Decorating with yellow makes a striking statement, yet feels curated and effortlessly cool – an ideal look for a seasonal living room refresh.
Shop the Yellow Living Room Edit
A beautifully tailored sofa is an inevitable starting point in following Audrey's lead. While her piece is ultra-bright, this option feels more 2026. The yellow velvet design taps into the color trend, while the clean lines and dark wood legs keep it feeling refined rather than overly bold.
A vase like this is an easy way to bring a little warmth into a room. The rich yellow glaze adds a cheerful pop of color, while the classic ceramic shape keeps it feeling elegant and understated. It's Audrey-inspired, but in the most subtle way possible.
If you love the yellow tones in Audrey's living room but don't have space for a large sofa, this armchair is a beautiful alternative. The rich upholstery brings the same sense of warmth and softness, while the compact shape makes it much easier to work into a smaller home.
A velvet pillow is one of the easiest ways to introduce color without committing to a larger sofa. This warm golden shade has a softer, more muted feel, which means it works beautifully with rich neutrals like chocolate brown, olive, or natural wood tones.
A table lamp like this is one of those finishing touches that can completely change the mood of a room. The glossy base and pleated linen shade feel so elegant, while the all-important yellow tone adds a little brightness without overwhelming the space.
Upgrade the coziness of your sofa with this dark yellow throw – a deeper alternative to the hue seen in Audrey's home. It's also great for taking outside while dining al fresco during the last weeks of summer.
We might not usually look to a 50-year-old image for modern decor advice. However, decorating with yellow is an instant way to bring a touch of nostalgia and sunshine into a home. Drawing inspiration from the past feels entirely natural as we enjoy the peak of summer.
'The growing popularity of yellow in the interior space, especially the living room, is certainly one to watch as a trend for 2026. In fact, in the last month alone, Google searches for ‘yellow interiors’ have skyrocketed by +113%. Harking back to the nostalgic feel of childhood with the Scandinavian-style yellow sofas, it is clear to see why it’s a popular option,' comments Monika Puccio from the Sofa Club.
Monika is not alone in her observations. 'There's no better time to celebrate yellow. From cheery buttercup and zingy lemon to elegant mustard, the joyful hue is one to watch this spring,' adds interior designer Rebecca Hughes. 'Depending on the shade, it can be used to create spaces that are fun and energizing, or restful and serene.'
Yellow living room sofas – particularly those upholstered in vibrant shades like Audrey's – are undeniably a bold investment.
To ensure your home remains balanced during these bright summer days, pair them with a subtle neutral backdrop. The rest of Audrey's room is color-drenched in white, including the walls and fireplace, but soft cream creates a similarly serene effect.
If you prefer to experiment with the shade first, try adding a pop of color with a throw, a cushion, or a vase of fresh spring blooms, just as Audrey demonstrates. 'Yellow accents such as cushions, picture frames, and lampshades, for example, can then be used to inject personality back into the living room,' Monika adds.
After enjoying these sunny hues through lightweight seasonal accessories, you may soon find yourself following Audrey's lead with a statement sofa. Watch this space.
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